Klarinet Archive - Posting 000055.txt from 2001/12

From: "Buckman, Nancy" <nebuckman@-----.us>
Subj: RE: [kl] Re: Adult Braces
Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2001 09:03:37 -0500

Neil,

Sorry for the late post, I have been away from the computer for the last
week or so. I have worn braces off and on for the better part of my life
(five different sets of appliances with the itinerant retainers). I am now
fifty years old. I had major skeletal problems that have taken many years
to repair, mainly because the technology to do so wasn't available until
quite recently. To make a long story short, they have extended the ability
to play by years. In fact, I should be able to play as long as I want
because I underwent treatment.

While I no longer wear brackets, I do wear retainers ALL OF THE TIME (yes,
even when I play!). I have different sets for different things that I do,
including a set for woodwind playing and a different set for when I play
brass instruments. There is my every day set for use during working hours
which is the standard single wire around the teeth (upper and lower) and a
fourth set for when I am sleeping (so they don't fall out and get lost or
broken while I sleep). Sometimes I even eat with them in my mouth. While
this is generally not the best thing to do to your removable appliances, it
can be done if you are careful. I've been doing it for many years and have
never broken an appliance (or lost one in the trash, either). My last set of
brackets and wires was removed in 1996 and I have been using the same
retainers since then with no replacements yet.

The key to all of this for me has been the willingness of my orthodontist
and oral surgeon to work with me so that I can continue to play my
instruments. They have always scheduled visits around my performing
schedule which sometimes is very inconvenient for them. Many ortho
specialists don't want to spend the time and effort to help patients
continue to do daily activities that may interfere with the specialist's
schedule.

There was no extra charge for any of the additional visits or appliances
that make it possible for me to continue playing. The appliances do not
mean an end to your enjoyment of performing wind music. They do, however,
mean that you must make an extra effort and commit to working with devices
that continually try your patience. For me, wearing appliances has meant
that I look like a normal person, I can speak without interference and, best
of all, I will have my natural teeth for the rest of my life so that smiling
and eating will always be a pleasure.

Take the time to ferret out a specialist who is willing to help you achieve
your goals. Why even bother with the treatment unless you will be able to
enjoy the results. Oh, a word of advice - the metal brackets will cost less
money and give less trouble over the course of your treatment than the
cosmetically appealing, tooth-colored brackets. They hold up better under
the strain of playing wind instruments. They can also shorten the length
time in the appliance. There are also different bracket systems, which move
teeth at different rates of speed. Find out which ones can be used for your
course of treatment. Take control of as much of your treatment as possible.
The good specialist will be willing to work with you to achieve the results
you are looking for in the shortest amount of time, for the least amount of
money. Best of luck.

Nancy (who is wearing retainers, the everyday set, while typing this
message)

Nancy E. Buckman, Technical Assistant
School of Health Professions, Wellness and Physical Education
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD 21012-1895 USA
Phone 410-777-2316 Fax 410-777-2233
E-mail nebuckman@-----.us

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